Anorexia and picky eating are common problems in children, causing much concern for parents. When children lack necessary nutrients, their physical and mental development can be seriously affected. However, understanding the causes and how to overcome them will help parents improve this condition more effectively, ensuring that children develop comprehensively and healthily.

Anorexia and picky eating are common problems that many parents encounter in the process of raising young children. Although these two concepts are often confused, they have different characteristics and causes. Understanding anorexia and picky eating can help parents have the right approach to support their children, thereby ensuring comprehensive physical and mental development.

Concept of anorexia and picky eating

Anorexia is a condition in which children do not eat enough food to meet their nutritional needs, leading to slow growth and weight loss. The cause can be due to many factors, including psychological, physiological or environmental.

Picky eating, on the other hand, is a condition where a child only eats certain foods, often familiar foods, and refuses other foods. This can lead to significant nutritional deficiencies, affecting the child’s development and health. Both anorexia and picky eating need attention to ensure that the child is getting enough nutrition.

Anorexia and picky eating can have many serious consequences for the child’s health. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to slow growth, malnutrition and affect the immune system. Children may have difficulty concentrating and learning due to lack of energy. In addition, other health problems such as anemia and psychological disorders may also appear.

Picky eating and poor appetite are common problems in children.

Signs of anorexia and picky eating

There are many signs that can help identify anorexia and picky eating in children:

• Not finishing a meal: Children often do not finish the food portion provided or meals last too long.
• Changes in eating habits: Children may breastfeed less or refuse to eat new foods.
• Lying on food: Children may hold food in their mouth for a long time without swallowing, leading to not getting enough nutrition.
• Refusing certain foods: Children may refuse to eat meat, fish, eggs, milk, vegetables or fruits.
• Negative reactions to food: Children may gag or run away when they see food, which indicates discomfort or anxiety related to eating.

Both picky eating and poor appetite need attention to ensure that children get adequate nutrition.

Causes of anorexia and picky eating

Here are the basic causes of anorexia and picky eating in children:

• Psychological: Psychological factors play an important role in anorexia and picky eating. Children may experience anxiety or fear when eating, which often happens if they have had negative experiences related to food. In addition, changes in eating habits, such as switching from breastfeeding to solid foods, can also cause discomfort for children.
• Physiological: Some children may have digestive problems or food allergies, which affect their appetite. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating or discomfort when eating can cause children to refuse food. A weak immune system can also increase the risk of illness, leading to anorexia.
• Environmental causes: The environment around children can also affect their eating habits. If the family has unhealthy eating habits, children may pick up on them and reject nutritious foods. Pressure from parents to eat can also make children feel discouraged and not want to eat. Factors such as advertising unhealthy foods on television can also negatively impact children’s food choices.

Anorexia and picky eating can cause many consequences for children’s health.

How to help children overcome anorexia and picky eating

To help children overcome anorexia and picky eating, parents can apply some of the following measures:

• Create a comfortable eating environment: Create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere during meals. Avoid putting pressure on children and encourage them to participate in the meal preparation process. This will not only help children feel interested in food but also create opportunities for them to learn.
• Offer a diverse menu: Provide a rich menu with many different types of food. Experiment with different cooking methods to make the dish more appealing. Involving children in the process of choosing food and preparing meals can help them feel more interested in food.
• Maintain regular meals: Setting a fixed meal time during the day helps children form better eating habits. Children will feel hungry and tend to eat more when they know that there will be a meal at a certain time.
• Limit processed foods: Minimize your child’s consumption of processed foods and fast foods. Instead, encourage your child to eat more fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Educating your child about the benefits of healthy foods can help them understand and accept these foods.
• Expert advice: If your child’s picky eating or poor appetite persists and affects their health, consult a doctor or dietitian. They can help identify the specific cause and develop a suitable nutrition plan.

Experiment with different cooking methods to make the dish more appealing.

Picky eating and poor appetite are common problems in young children that can have a serious impact on their health and development. By understanding the causes and symptoms, and applying appropriate support measures, parents can help their children overcome this condition. Creating a positive eating environment, providing a varied menu and seeking professional advice when necessary are important steps in ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need for healthy growth.